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USAID and Government of Colombia Launch Scholarship Program for Afro-Colombians

March 25, 2008
U.S. Embassy Bogotá Press Office: 571-315-0811 Ext. 2625
USAID Public Information: 571-315-0811 Ext. 4102

On March 25, USAID and the Government of Colombia (GOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mark the launching of the Afro-Colombian Scholarship and Leadership Program in the municipality of Cali, Department of Valle del Cauca. The event was attended by Vice-President Francisco Santos, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Araujo, U.S. Embassy DCM Brian Nichols, Sophia King, Chief of Staff of Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), USAID/Colombia Mission Director Liliana Ayalde, the Vice-Minister of Education, the Mayor of Cali, and the Governor of Valle del Cauca, among others. A letter from Congressman Meeks to Vice-President Santos congratulating the GOC on this important initiative was read during the ceremony. This five-year initiative will provide leadership training and graduate studies for emerging Afro-Colombian leaders who have excelled at the undergraduate level, seek to pursue graduate studies in U.S. universities, and are committed to returning to the country and working towards the benefit of their community. USAID is contributing US$500,000 to the total program cost of US$2,854.700. The GOC and Fulbright Colombia are contributing US$1,500,000 and US$854,700, respectively.

More information on the Scholarship and Leadership Program for Afro-Colombians is available at the Fulbright Colombia Web site at: http://www.fulbright.edu.co